2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a complete redesign in 12 years, though it had received periodic updates. Despite these updates, a used 4Runner was quite similar to a new one, minus some of the latest infotainment and safety technologies. The 4Runner's design, characterized by a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, had aged well, maintaining balanced proportions and timeless styling. It was available in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565 MSRP for the RWD model, featured black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, and a custom-made 40-quart cooler. The interior was functional, with hard plastic materials and an old-school dashboard, adding to its charm as a durable and simple SUV.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was a luxurious and elegant SUV that shared its basic structure with the Ford Expedition but felt entirely unique. Priced at $92,000 MSRP for the Reserve trim, the Navigator exuded sophistication with its rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and full-width taillight assembly. The interior was impressive, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing exceptional comfort. The Navigator's spacious cabin could accommodate up to eight passengers, and the cargo space was generous, with up to 103 cubic feet of storage. The Navigator's design and features made it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like A-Trac, a standard off-road traction control system. The 4Runner's performance in challenging terrains, such as the Frame Twister at Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area, showcased its off-road capabilities. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with a truck-like driving experience. Its fuel economy was also a drawback, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and a refined driving experience. Its towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. While the Navigator's fuel economy was not exceptional, averaging in the teens, its adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride. The Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a pleasure to drive on highways, though its handling was not as precise as some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the seats were comfortable and supportive. The rear seats offered ample legroom, good visibility, and convenient features like air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The 4Runner's cargo space was versatile, with up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, added to its practicality.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating up to eight passengers. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the third row offered decent space for adults. The Navigator's cargo capacity was impressive, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage space. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like separate thigh extensions, torso bolsters, and massage programs. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position enhanced visibility, though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had limited technology features. It included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation. However, the 4Runner's technology felt dated compared to more modern vehicles.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while smaller than some competitors, was intuitive and easy to use. The system included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system offered Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. The Navigator's technology was functional, though it lacked some of the advanced features found in newer luxury SUVs, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA, with the exception of rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). The Navigator came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.